As inclusive as the modern world is, a majority of homes are not built to be wheelchair accessible. Thankfully, there’s a growing number of home remodeling companies that offer accessibility options to their clients. These options often incorporate “universal design” in their projects. Universal design follows three main accessibility principles: design for ease of living, design for all people and design for the lifespan.
If you’re exploring ideas to make your home a little more wheelchair-friendly, our experts recommend starting with some of the home improvements described below.
A zero-step threshold is the first step (no pun intended) in improving accessibility in your home. This means using designs in both your interior and exterior remodeling that uses the least amount of stairs or steps as possible, if not eliminating them entirely. For example, you can choose to replace a section of your front door steps with a ramp and safety rails. For homes with lower elevation, you can even do away with any stairs entirely.
Wheelchairs need doors that are wider than the standard sizes. Talk to your contractor about replacing your front door with a wider style to make your home more accessible. This may also be necessary for all doors inside your house. Some homeowners even go as far as removing the doors completely and replacing them with stylish archways instead.
For kitchen remodeling, lower kitchen drawers and cabinet doors by a few feet to allow better reachability for people sitting down. Light switches, faucets, sinks and other fixtures can also be moved a little bit lower for better accessibility. Don’t forget to add non-slip flooring and safety handrails in your kitchens and bathrooms to minimize accidents.
Get more accessibility remodeling inspiration from our professionals at STL Design and Build, your trusted local provider of home remodeling services. Give us a call at (314) 798-9856, or fill out our contact form to schedule a design consultation and request a free estimate on your projects today.
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